New Jersey Devils sign Ondrej Palat

The two-time Stanley Cup champion is joining the organization on a five-year deal.

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After striking out on star winger Johnny Gaudreau, the New Jersey Devils were forced to turn their attention elsewhere in search of an established top-6 winger.

It didn’t take long for things to materialize; just hours later the Devils signed Ondrej Palat to a five-year contract worth $6 million per season.

Chris Johnston @reporterchris

Hearing Ondrej Palat's five-year deal with the #NJDevils is expected to carry a $6M AAV. Some details are still being finalized, though.

Palat, 31, is a two-time Stanley Cup winner who brings a wealth of experience and additional scoring pop to the top-6.

The veteran left-winger has amassed 50 goals and 136 points in 201 games over the last three years. That equates to 20 goals and 55 points per 82 games.

While not world-beating production, it will certainly be of use to the Devils. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt were the only three players on the roster who produced more than 55 points this past season.

Palat is a gritty, hard-nosed player who will retrieve pucks in the corner and win extra possessions for his linemates.

He is excellent working down low and in the cycle game; and he’s a crafty in-zone passer. With all the speed and movement the Devils attack opponents with, Palat should have no problem finding open teammates in good spots with regularity.

He also makes smart decisions all over the ice. He’ll get pucks out, he’ll carry the puck in when the opportunity presents itself, and he’ll always put it in a good spot.

Palat has no shortage of useful traits – he is a very well rounded player – but it is his puck management skills that grade out best in Architecte-Hockey’s player profiles.